LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Fayette County Public Schools’ budget director claims she acted lawfully and in the public interest while district leaders engaged in coverups about its budget shortfall.

Ann Sampson-Grimes is suing the district claiming officials retaliated against her for whistle blowing about financial mismanagement prompting several investigations.

In a letter on her behalf to an independent investigator hired by the district, attorney Brandon Voelker says the board members don’t want to hear directly from Grimes, “but rather through an acknowledged secretive investigation.”

Grimes claims that district officials, including Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins, did the following:

• Attempted to conceal a $16-million budget deficit by changing terminology and discouraging transparency
• To hide financial troubles, violated board policies requiring a six percent contingency reserve
• Allowed those funds to be spent without the required board approval
• Misrepresented the district’s financial health to legislators and the public

Grimes claims she was retaliated against by being demoted, removed from oversight duties, and placed on administrative leave after filing a grievance.

She has since returned to work.

WKYT reached out to FCPS spokesperson Miranda Scully who replied it’s district policy to not comment on legal matters.

Questions over the district’s shortfalls, spending, and attempt to raise property taxes got the attention of lawmakers.

On September 17, lawmakers...

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